Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 4: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant firmly asserted on Monday that minorities in Goa remain safe and protected under the state’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC), dismissing attempts to draw parallels between Goa and communal incidents reported in other BJP-ruled states.

“We follow a Uniform Civil Code in Goa. There is no injustice done to minorities here, and it will never happen,” Sawant told the House. “Do not try to create fear and panic by citing incidents from other states like Chhattisgarh.”

The Chief Minister’s assurance came in response to concerns raised by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who urged the government to publicly distance itself from what he described as right-wing appeasement and minority harassment witnessed elsewhere.

Alemao cited the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala — Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis — by Chhattisgarh police on allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversions. The arrest, reportedly based on a complaint filed by a right-wing activist, has sparked political outrage, especially after the court granted bail and noted the arrest was based on mere suspicion.

“These arrests were politically motivated and reflect growing intolerance in some BJP-ruled states,” Alemao argued. “People in Goa are worried that similar harassment could take root here.”

He also referenced Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who called the case a “misunderstanding,” and questioned why citizens needed to rely on courts for basic protection. “Why do we have to live in fear? Why does the government not step in before damage is done?” he asked.

Outside the Assembly, Alemao had earlier condemned the arrests, calling them “baseless and motivated”, and accused the Chhattisgarh government of backtracking by deleting related posts from its official social media.

CM Sawant, however, reaffirmed Goa’s reputation for communal harmony and legal equality. “Goa has a strong history of peaceful coexistence among all communities. We will never allow injustice or targeted harassment against any section of society,” he said.

The exchange in the House highlighted the growing national spotlight on minority rights and how states like Goa, with a unique civil code and diverse population, navigate communal sensitivities amidst broader political tensions.